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Supervisors call to oust PUC president

November 07, 2012, 05:00 AM Daily Journal Staff Report

The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors Tuesday called for the immediate removal of Michael Peevey, president of the California Public Utilities Commission, because it said he "failed in his fundamental duty to protect” residents and conduct the San Bruno gas line explosion proceedings fairly.

The resolution joins the county with the city of San Bruno, Assemblyman Jerry Hill, D-San Mateo, and San Bruno citizens in demanding Peevey’s ousting 26 months after the fatal gas line explosion and fire that killed eight and destroyed 38 homes.

The PUC, headed by Peevey, failed to conduct proper oversight of Pacific Gas and Electric and was heavily criticized by the National Transportation Safety Board. Regardless, Peevey appointed himself to lead the inquiry into PG&E’s possible fines and rankled the public by requiring mediation in the negotiations without the agreement of all parties.

"By suspending public hearings and unilaterally attempting to appoint a mediator, President Peevey has undermined and clouded the validity of the CPUC’s critical regulatory function,” said Supervisor Dave Pine, who introduced the resolution calling for his removal.